Method and machine for preparing infant milk formula
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for preparing infant milk formula are time-consuming and pose risks of microbiological contamination due to manual handling, which compromises food hygiene and safety.
Innovation Solution
A machine-implemented method involving heat-sterilization, cooling, and steam-sterilization of water, combined with a capsule system for mixing powdered infant milk formula, ensuring safe and hygienic preparation by automating the process and maintaining water at optimal temperatures for sterilization and consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual preparation methods are used, then flexibility and simplicity are maintained, but time consumption increases and food safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic water heating, sterilization, cooling, and formula mixing without requiring manual intervention for each step. The machine autonomously completes the entire preparation process, eliminating the need for repeated manual handling and improving both food safety and time efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations (boiling, cooling, mixing, cleaning) are replaced by an automated system that integrates thermal processing, fluid control, and mechanical mixing in a controlled environment, thereby ensuring consistent food safety standards and reducing preparation time.
2Reliability
If manual handling and cleaning of implements are performed, then device complexity is minimized, but hygiene and safety are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically sterilizes water and steam-sterilizes all implements (bottle, spoon, cap) after use without requiring manual cleaning. This self-sterilization feature ensures consistent hygiene standards while eliminating the need for manual cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a controlled sterile environment during water heating and steam sterilization processes, protecting the formula and implements from microbiological contamination. The automated sterilization cycles maintain a hygienic environment throughout the preparation process.
3Reliability
If water is heated to sterilization temperature and maintained for extended periods, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains water at sterilization temperature continuously in the water tank, allowing multiple preparation cycles to utilize the pre-heated water without repeated heating. This continuous thermal maintenance reduces overall energy consumption while ensuring sterilization effectiveness for each use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts water temperature based on operational needs - heating to high temperatures for sterilization, then maintaining at lower temperatures for storage. The controller manages temperature parameters to optimize both sterilization effectiveness and energy efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a safe, convenient, and hygienic method for preparing infant milk formula, reducing the risk of contamination and streamlining the preparation process while maintaining water at effective sterilization and drinking temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
heat-sterilising water; The water may be heated to a sterilisation temperature between around 70o C and 100o C
Implementation Method 2
cooling the sterilised water; The sterilised water may be cooled to a drinking temperature between around 35o C and 45o C
Implementation Method 3
steam-sterilising the capsule chamber after removal of the capsule
Data Source
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AI summary
A machine-implemented method, comprising: heat-sterilising water; cooling the sterilised water; removably receiving a capsule containing powdered infant milk formula in a capsule chamber; injecting the cooled, sterilised water into the capsule chamber and through the capsule to form liquid infant milk formula; steam-sterilising the capsule chamber after removal of the capsule.